Choose only the unblemished flowers. Take care not to knock off the pollen when you handle the flower. If the pollen fall off, the flower fades quickly and gives off a gas. In an enclosed space, for example a gift box, the flowers around it will fade.

To refresh the flowers, make an oblique cut on the stem under the water and leave it to soak for a few hours. Remove the blooms singly if they are to be used for buttonholes, bouquets and garlands.